A strong majority of Americans express frustration with the role of money in politics, according to a Politico poll released Saturday. Seventy-two percent of respondents say there is too much money in U.S. politics, while only 5 percent disagree. The remaining respondents either remained neutral or expressed no opinion.
The finding reflects broad voter anxiety about campaign finance and political influence across the country. This consensus cuts across traditional party lines, suggesting the issue resonates with Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.
The timing of the poll carries weight in an election year when campaign spending typically reaches record levels. Presidential campaigns, congressional races, and outside groups pour billions into advertising and voter outreach. Super PACs and dark money groups have become increasingly influential since the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which removed many restrictions on campaign spending by corporations and unions.
The frustration voters express in polls like this has not yet translated into major legislative action at the federal level. Efforts to pass campaign finance reform bills have stalled in Congress repeatedly. Senate Republicans have largely opposed stricter campaign finance rules, while some Democrats have pushed for constitutional amendments to overturn Citizens United.
Several states have passed their own campaign finance restrictions in recent years. However, federal reform remains elusive despite public demand. Congress has not enacted comprehensive campaign finance legislation since the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, commonly known as McCain-Feingold.
The 72 percent figure demonstrates that voters across the political spectrum share common ground on this issue. Yet the disconnect between public opinion and legislative action persists. Campaign finance reform faces structural obstacles in Congress, where politicians who benefit from existing fundraising systems have little incentive to change them. The poll results suggest that candidates embracing campaign finance reform could find receptive voters, even as the actual mechanics of changing the system remain politically complex.